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Tag: assurance

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Luke 22:41–42 NKJV

The enormity of His coming trial and execution fell heavy on Jesus. Alone, He appealed to God, the only One who could change the course of events. “If it is Your will,” proves that Jesus went humbly and obediently to the Cross.

Too often we expect men and women to face the worst of life with a beatific expression and wise words of faith and encouragement for others. Instead, when the worst of circumstances decent on us, we can do what Jesus did. He went to God, and asked to be excused.

“If it is Your will” is the request of a faithful and obedient son or daughter who knows (or suspects) just how difficult events are going to get. A real saint, with Real Faith™, will follow God’s path, no matter where it goes. Still, in humility and obedience, we are allowed to ask our loving Father-God if there is another way.

Maybe there is a different way to fulfill God’s will. Perhaps, as with Jesus, events unfold as we knew they would. It is okay to ask in either case.

Jesus went to the Cross and bought our salvation with His perfect sacrifice. As you face your place in His will, be strong in your faith and obedience. And your prayer for a different path may draw an angelic encourager to stay the course.

Think: God’s will is not always easy, even though it is always best.

Pray: “Lord, I will follow Your will. Help me have the strength to stay Your course.”

And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!”

Judges 4:8 NKJV
Please read also Judges 4:4–9

Deborah sent for Barak, a leader and general of Israel. She confirmed to him that God had already commanded him to fight Sisera’s army, and promised him victory. Barak responded with “Mother, will you go with me?”

Barak faced a bigger, better equipped army with a history of brutally beating against Israel. God told Barak to lead footmen against chariots (infantry against tanks) and promised him a win. Barak, through faith, trusted God. Still, who could blame him for wanting God’s woman to go with him?

If you are one of God’s people, you run a risk. God, at any moment, may command you to face insurmountable odds with no assurance but His promise. Barak faced the real risk of losing a battle that common wisdom said could not be won. To his credit, Barak went in obedience and faith.

True saints with Real Faith™ follow God’s Word in complete confidence and trust. Real saints, like me, might want a trusted man or woman of God to go along, just to keep repeating God’s promise. Things are different when your life, legacy and liberty hang in the balance.

God, of course , delivered on His promises. Barak went in with and trust. Still, he kept a grip on Mother Deborah’s hand. Your faith, like Barak’s, may not be completely perfect, but God always honors our obedience.

Think: Trust God Word in your life and purpose. Take men and women of faith with you, to help.

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print [scars] of the nails, and put my finger into the print [scars] of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

John 20:25 NKJV

Thomas wanted proof. Like the other disciples, he knew for certain Jesus had died on the Cross. Now, he wanted the same kind of certainty that Jesus again lived. He wanted to see and touch the scars of the living, breathing Jesus.

Enough hurt, pain and loss will rattle the confidence, or drain hope from, even those with iron wills and steel souls. Too often, the words of others mean nothing in those dark moments of distress. Only the testimony of scars can speak to those who seem to have lost everything.

“See? Jesus brought me through the same crisis.” “His Spirit carried me when I got the same late-night call.” “His grace healed me of the same illness.”

God’s people too often hide their scars. By hiding them, we also hide the evidence of God’s power and restoration in our lives. Only survivors have scars. Survivors speak with an authority that exceeds all others.

Thomas finally got his living proof of the resurrected Jesus. You also have proof of the resurrected Jesus. His power has brought you through. Your scars are irrefutable proof of His power and authority in the real world.

Think: My scars are irrefutable proof of God’s power and supremacy in my life.

And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:17 NKJV

Maybe your relationship with Jesus is so deep and rich that nothing surprises you. Perhaps your relationship with God is so intense that you and He discuss everything in detail. That level is my goal, not my current testimony.

Many mornings I wake up and wonder: How is God going to work it out? When? Have I been forgotten?

Don’t get me wrong: I trust God. He is sovereign. He has proven Himself over and again. If He says I should, I will. If He say it will, then it shall. Still, some days, my too human hearts longs to see. On occasion, He has let me peek.

Elisha obviously had a close relationship with God. Elisha’s servant lived and worked in the daily presence of God and supernatural miracles. Yet, he needed his eyes opened to see the divine power and provision around him.

God is too faithful to forget you. His power is more than enough for any circumstance. You need your eyes opened to see His presence and purpose in your life.

Wanting to see is okay. He understands His human children. If we seek His heart and purposes, He will let us peek.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

You did not get the promotion and you are disappointed. The woman will not even talk to you, so you are angry. You approach the casket and you are grieved. At times, your emotions are so strong, it seems you will drown in them.

Even for God’s saints, emotions are not always a positive experience. Hurt, anger, disappointment and sadness invade our lives at times. Still, we operate at an advantage.

God is with us. No matter what happens, He is right there. We are never alone. Out of His love for us, He refuses to leave us, no matter what murky emotions swirl around us.

Do not make the mistake of thinking it will not happen to you. Isaiah’s prophecy is that Israel will experience difficulties and heartache, still God will be there. God is always God, especially when the tsunamis of your life strike.

We live in, and through, His power. Tossed in the waves does not mean you will go under. Trust in His empowering grace for your life. He may let you get wet, but He will not let you drown.

Think: No matter how deep the emotions go, God will not let me be overwhelmed.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust you, even when emotion threatens to drag me under.”